The hope is that such an awful scene doesn’t paint broad brushstrokes about the hockey community in general. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said it well when he called it a “stupid and ignorant action” that shouldn’t represent fans in London, Ontario as a whole.

Thankfully, that ugly situation prompted a lot of support for Simmonds among hockey teammates and opponents as well as fans and writers. First, let’s take a look at what a few of his colleagues had to say via Twitter, with help from this NHL.com article. (Note: some shorthand has been corrected.)

For those that asked: I’m extremely disappointed with what happened to Wayne Simmonds tonight in London Ont. We’ve taken HUGE steps to grow the game of hockey. As I speak Willie O’Ree and I are in D.C attending the Black Congressional Caucus on behalf of the #NHL and ironically this takes place. :( There’s NO place for this in sports since sport connects us not divides us.

at some point, someone needs to have the guts to stand up and point this idiot out. if the ticket was not purchased by cash, a credit card transaction for that seat will get this pointed in the right direction. the owner of the credit card can either fess up or point out which of his nitwit friends did it.

lesleyvissersfacelift - Sep 23, 2011 at 5:59 PM

F Canada

1943mrmojorisin1971 - Sep 23, 2011 at 6:02 PM

Troll

urteamsux52 - Sep 23, 2011 at 6:01 PM

dam canadains lack of respect hould protect your country with our men and women in the arm forces

Idky people are blaming Canadians for this act. Could have easily been one of us Americans. You do realize London, Ontario is 2 hours away for Detroit, Michigan?

jbraxton3rd - Sep 23, 2011 at 10:04 PM

Unfortunately, minorities are used to being insulted by white people. That’s what white people do.

urteamsux52 - Sep 24, 2011 at 12:05 AM

an american would not throw a banana at a black man its a canadian who is afraid america’s inner cities starts playing hockey then o canada would never beat us hate canada for doing that stupid act you tube it it was a canadian